Introduction
Playtech’s newest branded release brings Rick & Michonne to the reels in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. The slot entered exclusive early access on August 29, 2025 (Winlandia), with wider rollout slated for early October according to industry coverage. That timing ties neatly to the TV miniseries’ popularity and signals a major 2025 branded drop for online casino lobbies.
Key features & what’s new
- Format: 5 reels; base game ways: 243; bonus modes can expand to 1,024 or even 3,125 ways to win.
- RTP: stated at ~95.9% (operator-configurable).
- Bet range: from £0.10 per spin; upper limits vary by casino (Slingo lists £2/£5 caps in its catalogue entry).
- Signature bonuses:
- Rick’s Escape — pick feature with Mini/Minor/Major/Grand fixed prizes; Grand ≈ 2,000× bet.
- Michonne’s Journey — 6–10 free spins, upgraded ways (1,024–3,125); retriggers via character coin.
- Thorne’s Hunt — instant prizes up to 120× or entry to Rick/Michonne features.
- Context: Playtech previously launched The Walking Dead online slot in 2021 (95.73% RTP, 50 lines), so this is a modernized follow-up aligned with current design norms.
- FYI (social casino tie-in): AMC’s official The Walking Dead: Casino Slots app added a “THE ONES WHO LIVE” machine in July 2025, underscoring the brand push—note this is free-to-play, not real-money.
Snapshot specs
| Item | Detail |
| Studio | Playtech |
| Release (online) | Aug 29, 2025 (exclusive early access; wider release early Oct) |
| Reels / Ways | 5 reels / 243 ways (base), up to 3,125 (features) |
| RTP (theoretical) | ~95.9% (varies by jurisdiction/operator) |
| Max Win | ~2,000× bet (Grand prize via Rick’s Escape) |
| Min–Max Bet* | £0.10 – operator-dependent (catalogue shows £2/£5 caps at Slingo) |
Hands-on review
Theme, art & audio
The slot leans into the spinoff’s survivor arc—think dark, steel-and-embers UI, punctuated by cinematic stingers when character features trigger. The character-driven bonuses keep the TV DNA front-and-center rather than a generic zombie reskin. (Playtech’s prior 2021 outing proved the brand works well in slots; this build adds more variable-ways geometry for modern mobile play.)
Math model & pacing
At ~95.9% RTP with character-triggered bonuses and fixed-jackpot picks, the game fits the 2025 branded-slot pattern: accessible min bets, bursts of volatility in features, and recognizable milestone prizes (Mini→Grand). Expect steadier base-game spins with occasional “step-change” moments when ways upgrade to 1,024–3,125 in free spins.
Availability & where to play
During the early-access window, the game is prominently marketed by Winlandia; broader availability is surfacing in UK/EU lobbies (e.g., Slingo lists the title with 3,125-ways metadata). As always, prefer licensed casinos in your jurisdiction (UKGC, MGA, or Curaçao under the new LOK regime).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Character-led features that mirror the show’s leads and deliver distinct risk/reward profiles.
- Ways-to-win upgrades (up to 3,125) create noticeable momentum in free spins.
- Brand continuity from Playtech’s 2021 release, refined for 2025 mobile UX.
Cons
- RTP is below the “96%+” sweet spot some players seek in non-branded titles.
- Maximum win (~2,000×) is modest versus 2025’s high-ceiling releases.
- Early-access exclusivity may limit availability in certain markets until full rollout.
Practical tips for players (2025)
- Play at regulated sites. In Great Britain, look for UKGC-licensed operators and check LCCP compliance; in Malta-served markets, verify the MGA register; Curaçao now operates a reformed licensing regime under the LOKvia the Curaçao Gaming Authority.
- Bankroll planning > big-win chasing. With mid-90s RTP and fixed jackpots, set session limits and consider smaller stakes for longer feature hunting.
- Mobile first. The ways-expansion structure plays cleanly on vertical screens; verify paytable variance (RTP/limits) in your lobby before depositing.
Answer About The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live FAQs
Is The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live available now?
Yes—exclusive early access began on Aug 29, 2025 (Winlandia). Wider release is expected shortly after; check licensed lobbies in your region.
What are the core mechanics?
A 5-reel setup with 243 base ways, expanding in features to 1,024–3,125. Bonuses include Rick’s Escape (pick for fixed jackpots up to ~2,000×), Michonne’s Journey (free spins with boosted ways), and Thorne’s Hunt (instant prizes or feature redirects).
What’s the RTP and volatility like?
Theoretical RTP is ~95.9% and can vary by operator; volatility sits in the branded-slot middle ground, with the biggest spikes during feature modes. Always check the in-game help at your casino.
How does it compare to Playtech’s 2021 The Walking Dead?
The 2021 title used 50 lines and a 95.73% top RTP with a suite of features; The Ones Who Live modernizes the math with variable ways-to-win and character coins.
Can I try a free version?
Many regulated operators provide demos; social-casino players can also find a “THE ONES WHO LIVE” machine in AMC’s official app (free-to-play). Remember: social casinos use virtual currency, not real money.
Responsible Gaming
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live works best if you’re here for character-driven moments—Rick’s picks, Michonne’s free spins, those sudden jumps to 3,125 ways. The trade-off? A modest top end (around 2,000×), so don’t chase miracles; chase pacing you enjoy. Before spinning, open the info panel and check the RTP shown for your lobby—operators can run different configurations. Stick to regulated sites (UKGC, MGA, Curaçao/LOK), set a hard budget, and decide your exit point first.
